Joseph Edwards

My experience with Stage 3B colon cancer at 44 underscored the significance of physical fitness in not merely surviving, but truly thriving. Following a diagnosis in 2019 after a combat deployment, I underwent surgery and chemotherapy, culminating in the conclusion of my 27.5-year Marine Corps service in 2022. Throughout these transformative circumstances, my dedication to health and physical fitness remained unwavering, ultimately enabling me to persevere and overcome these challenges.

Currently, I am undertaking training for the 2026 Mammoth Sniper Challenge, an event I intend to participate in twice. To adequately prepare for this rigorous competition, which demands precise marksmanship skills and encompasses 35 miles of timed hikes over three days while carrying 65 pounds of tactical gear, my training regimen consists of 10-mile runs, cycling, weightlifting, hiking, and mountain biking to ensure peak performance. It's the journey, not the destination, that we find growth.

I would donate the proceeds to Semper Fi & America's Fund because this organization supported me while I was undergoing cancer treatment. For your information, Semper Fi & America's Fund provides vital support to critically wounded, ill, and injured service members, veterans, and military families across all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces, through personalized case management, connection, and lifetime assistance. https://thefund.org/